What is reasonable wear and tear?

Reasonable wear and tear is a legal term used in Washington’s real estate law to define the natural expected deterioration of a property resulting from normal and accepted use over time. It is often used to define the condition of a piece of property at the end of a tenancy or lease agreement. When it comes to residential property in Washington state, reasonable wear and tear includes things like faded paint, superficial scratches, discoloration of appliances, and worn carpets, so long as they were present and in similar condition when the tenant first moved in. If the tenant brings any damages to the property beyond what was present upon move-in, they will be expected to repair or replace it. Additionally, landlords must still maintain their properties to a certain standard even if they have tenants in them. Per Washington state law, landlords are responsible for repairs that are necessary to keep the property up to code, keeping all common areas clean, and responding quickly to any maintenance requests. In conclusion, “reasonable wear and tear” is a legal term in real estate law in Washington that outlines the acceptable deterioration of a property that results from normal and accepted use over time. The tenant and landlord both have certain obligations to uphold pertaining to the conditions of the property, so it is important to be familiar with the laws of the state before entering a tenancy or lease agreement.

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What is reasonable wear and tear?

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